Raymond J. Glenn

Raymond J. Glenn, 92, of Poplar Grove, IL passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Ray was born on October 15,1933 in Chicago, IL to James and Frances B. (Wiesniewski) Glenn.  Ray served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War.  He was in the SCARW 841st Engineer Aviation Battalion and received a Korean Service Ribbon, United Nation Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.  On his 90th birthday he was presented with the Ambassador of Peace Award.  

Raymond married Lois Gudrun Baldowsky on October 6, 1956 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Logan Square in Chicago, IL.  She died on September 29th, 2000.  They were married for 44 years. Ray and Lois enjoyed driving to the Florida Keys, Carlsbad Caverns, Crazy Horse Memorial, and many others where they created fond memories. 

They adopted two children, Victoria and Alexander.  Ray loved to take the family on road trips.  They traveled to many places including Turkey Run State Park, Mammoth Cave, and Wisconsin Dells. Ray worked at Richco Plastics, Bally Midway, and Northrup Gruman.  Ray was an avid Smelt fisherman.  He enjoyed the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and Cubs.  He was a supporter of police organizations and the Wounded Warrior Project.  Ray enjoyed woodworking in his younger years, he would make bird houses, rocking chairs, coat hooks, and large figurines.  As he got older, he enjoyed making mosaic displays including a castle and an impressive recreation of The Last Supper. 

Most of all Ray enjoyed being at home, enjoying his backyard, a good cup of tea/coffee and a breakfast, with toast, lightly buttered.  While Ray was a private man when it came to his faith, and referred to God as “The Man Upstairs”, he was a believer.  His family is able to find peace knowing Ray believed in Jesus. 

He is survived by his daughter Victoria (Bob) Donley; his grandkids Heather Glenn, Emily (Joe) McGinniss, Kyle Johnson, and Christopher Donley; great grandson Greyson McGinniss; and cousins. He will also be greatly missed by his faithful companion Duke, who he adopted from Winnebago County Animal Services. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Lois; son Alex Glenn; his parents James and Frances Glenn; brother James Glenn; and brother-in-law Melvin Baldowsky.

Special thanks to all of his in-home helpers (Wanda, Justin, Maddie, Sheryl, and Tina), Boone County Center for Aging, Dr. Keene, Mercy Health Rockford Palliative Team, Rockford VA, and OSF Cardiovascular Institute. 

In lieu of expressions of sympathy, please make donations to Winnebago County Animal Services. 

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 5-7pm at Belvidere Funeral Home, 203 Logan Avenue, Belvidere, IL. Military honors begin at 5:30 pm. Please wear your favorite sports team attire to the visitation.  Graveside services will be held December 4th at noon at Mt. Olive Cemetery, 3800 N. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, IL.